Segways Roll on Angel Island

Angel Island is the largest island with the highest point in the San Francisco Bay - a popular day trip for visitors seeking superior bay views and 13 miles of hilly, forested trails from which to explore this scenic, historical treasure. In March 2007, guided Segway tours departing five times per day will enhance island exploration in the first program of its kind in the state. Segway of Oakland and Angel Island Tram Tours and Events presents Segway Angel Island Experience , a unique way to take in natural wonders and learn to ride a cutting-edge vehicle.

The Segway is an electric, self-balancing, personal-transportation device designed to travel miles on a single electrical charge. It is one of the most noticed methods of movement in the 21st Century.

Five professionally guided Segway tours will commence each day at Angel Island from March through November 2007 in this pilot program created in conjunction with Angel Island Tram Tours and Events. This is the first such tour to operate at Angel Island State Park, according to organizers.

"The two-and-a-half hour tour will circle the island's Perimeter Trail, which is about five miles long. It is a paved trail with plenty of room for Segways. It is much easier to learn to ride out there than on a city street." explained Segway of Oakland partner Darren Romar.

"Participants will not only learn to safely ride a Segway, but they will also experience different speed settings and plenty of varying terrain, added partner Steve Steinberg. "The tour covers almost 2,000 vertical feet and most of the island, offering the best views of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay, and waterfront community of Tiburon. Our goal is to help increase revenue for the park by adding another fun thing to do on the island, and get more people out enjoying California state parks."

The tour takes in Angel Island's surprising history: For more than 6,000 years Miwok Indians used it for hunting and fishing. During a 100-year period from the Civil War to the Cold War the U.S. military constructed numerous installations that played a vital role in World Wars I and II. It was also used as an immigration station, according to www.angelisland.org.

Cost for the Segway Angel Island Experience is $65 per person ($35 for the late afternoon short-tour), and corporate tour-and-catering events are available. Ferries to the island depart from Tiburon, San Francisco and Alameda/Oakland - visit the Angel Island Web site for more ticket information and links. To make tour reservations call 1-888-8SEGWAY or visit www.segwayangelisland.com